ALSphere Foundation
Shanti navigated the city with a constant thrumming in her head–a cacophony that mirrored the chaos around her. The roar of traffic, the shouts of vendors, the relentless whirring of the printing machines where she worked–all assaulted her senses. Yet, the noise outside paled in comparison to the storm raging within.
Years of abuse by her late husband had left her a shell of her former self. The additional burden of raising a hearing-impaired son, Aakash, only amplified the sense of failure that gnawed at her. Every snide remark from her neighbours, every pitying glance, reinforced a feeling of self-doubt that choked her. The cacophony in her mind mirrored her chaos. She was craving for respect and freedom.
A ray of sunshine pierced through the darkness when her brother offered her a place to stay in the city. Hope flickered, but it was quickly extinguished by the coldness of her sister-in-law. Shanti found work at a printing factory where the deafening machines were strangely comforting–a white noise that drowned out some of the turmoil within.
Aakash, however, thrived. Enrolled in a school for the hearing impaired, his bright mind and expressive eyes blossomed. Then came Angad, a pantomime performer visiting Aakash’s school. He saw the magic in Aakash’s smile and the eloquence in his eyes. Aakash, in turn, discovered a world of silent communication, of stories told through gestures and expressions. His talent shone, making him a star in Angad’s troupe.
Watching Aakash perform, an unknown emotion surged through Shanti–pride. It was a powerful force, slowly pushing back the fear and doubt. The taunts, once so sharp, began to lose their sting. She was no longer just “the widow with the deaf son”; she was Aakash’s mother, the mother of a talented performer. Also, the attitude of the people around her changed as now she was financially independent. Money brings respect and freedom. It also reduces the taunts and barbs of people around, she thought.
The day Angad’s troupe was selected for an international performance was a pivotal moment. Witnessing Aakash’s confidence and excitement, Shanti felt a transformation within herself. The cacophony in her mind, once a storm of negativity, began to shift. The honking horns, the shouts, the constant hum of the city–they became a backdrop to a new symphony. A symphony of resilience, of the unwavering love between the mother and the son, and of the quiet strength it takes to carve a path against all odds.
Shanti realized that true peace wouldn’t come from silencing the external noise, but from finding harmony within. She started embracing the city’s cacophony, no longer as a source of stress, but as a reminder of her journey–a journey that had led her to a place of newfound independence and self-worth. The city, once a symbol of chaos, became a canvas where she, like Aakash, could tell her own silent story. A story of resilience, of a mother’s love, and of a woman finally finding her voice.
Lolita Bhattacharya
